Martyr, She Wrote

Chris Shelton joins me to talk about his experience leaving Scientology after 27 years and his work helping other cult survivors. We discuss coercive control, cult hopping, and how to use emotional awareness to guard yourself against exploitation. Learn more about Chris here: https://chrissheltonmsc.org/ Check out his new book, What Now? A Practical Guide to Life After a Cult .

Joining me are Nikki G and Jonathon Carrington, the two co-hosts of the Surviving the Black Church Podcast and founders of the Black Religious Trauma Recovery Network. We have a great conversation about the unique experiences black survivors of religious trauma and Christian Nationalism and how to start recognizing and healing from it. Learn more about Nikki and Jonathon's work: Surviving the Blac...

Licensed mental health counselor, Michelle F. Moseley joins me for a conversation about the symptoms of religious trauma and some healing strategies for survivors. Michelle is a counselor based in North Carolina and offers clinical training for therapists. https://michellefmoseley.com/ @therapy_with_michelle

This episode features Dr. Graham B. Walker, the Zeller's Chair of Theology and Philosophy at the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. Our discussion centers on the evolution of theological views regarding suffering, trauma, and the meaning of the cross.

This episode features Krispin Mayfield , a therapist, author, and podcaster specializing in religious trauma and attachment. Our conversation explores the psychological and developmental impacts of growing up in high-control religious environments, specifically focusing on white Evangelicalism in the United States. Learn more about Krispin's work at https://www.strongwilledproject.com/.

I'm back after a long break, interviewing cult intervention specialist and founder of People Leave Cults, Ashlen Hilliard. Learn more about her work here: https://www.peopleleavecults.com/

In this episode I interview a close friend, Cody Moncrief, who navigated church as a neurodivergent, introverted queer person growing up in the south.

This week I'm interviewing licensed therapist and author, Dr. Mark Gregory Karris about his new book, The Diabolical Trinity: Healing Religious Trauma from a Wrathful God, Tormenting Hell, and a Sinful Self. See more about Mark's work here: https://markgregorykarris.com/

I'm interviewing my own sister, Twyla Axelson, who's also a therapist and a mom of two. We're discussing how parents can raise children in religious communities without perpetuating religious trauma. Learn more about Twyla's work here: https://doubleoakcounseling.com/

I co-host this episode with Josh to interview our dear friend, Natalia, to talk about her experience as a person of color in a predominantly white, conservative church culture.

I'm kicking off season 2 with author and coach, Linda Kay Klein, to talk about what purity culture is and how it relates to religious trauma recovery. Check out her book, Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free. More info on Linda's work at: https://lindakayklein.com/

In our season one finale, Anna and Marcus discuss highlights of this season's episodes and talk about the importance of intentional empathy as we navigate the complexities of religious trauma, religious abuse, and building inclusive religious communities. www.empathyparadigm.com

In this episode, licensed counselor Catherine Quiring talks about therapy models that can help us understand and heal the relational wounds associated with religious trauma. Take this attachment style 5 minute quiz! Learn more about Catherine's work: https://www.cqcounseling.com/specialities/religious-trauma

This episode's interview is with licensed counselor and experienced podcaster, Dan Coch who discusses holding onto and evolving faith after deconstructing from religious fundamentalism. Learn more about Dan at https://www.religiononthemind.com/ .

This educational episode features a discussion with Josh Miller about common religious abuse tactics that are adapted from the Duluth Model's Power and Control Wheel. See a copy of the Religious Abuse Power & Control wheel here: https://www.empathyparadigm.com/powercontrol

This episode explores how Sunshine Cathedral's senior minister, Rev. Durrell Watkins, is working to create a new kind of church that prioritizes inclusivity for beleivers who have been harmed by exclusive doctrines and practices in the past. https://sunshinecathedral.org/

This educational episode with focuses on defining the common signs and symptoms that religious trauma survivors experience. Learn more at https://www.empathyparadigm.com/religioustrauma

This episode features Dr. Darrel Ray, author and founder of Recovering from Religion , as he discusses finding religious trauma support, the cultural impacts of evangelicalism, and the sexual repression of purity culture.

My partner, Marcus Miller, joins me to talk about his complicated journey of religious deconstruction, especially when you're redefining a marriage that began in high-control religion and patriarchy.

This interview features Dr. Adam Cobb discussing the unrealistic expectations that cause kids and young adults in religious settings to overachieve, overwork, and neglect their mental health.

This episode features Empathy Paradigm's co-founder, Josh Miller, about his traumatic experience with conversion therapy and attending an LGBTQ+ unaffirming Bible college.

This episode is about the experiences of former missionary kid, Caleb Adams, and the instability and anxiety of taking part in a ministry that you didn't choose for yourself. Check out Caleb's podcast, Life Unwasted.

This interview is with certified life coach, Kalyela Josephs, who discusses her history of coming out, accepting her sexuality in an unaccepting environment, and current focus on helping members of the LGBTQ+ community embrace their identities. https://www.kalyelaj.com/

I'm interviewing a licensed therapist who specializes in religious trauma, Aleesa Schlup, LPC. about anxiety and OCD related disorders (aka. Scrupulosity) that can come from religious trauma.

This episode features the shocking story of Daliana May, a former missionary, and how her family was traumatized and then fired by their missions agency. Dalaina is now the founder of Dark Bali , an anti-sex-trafficking organization.